Question

which phrase demonstrates assonance through repeated vowel sounds? * 1 po
velvet - violet lining
bird or beast upon
grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt
rapping at my chamber door
what does the word nepenthe most likely mean in the context of the
poem?
a musical instrument
a religious ceremony
a drug that causes forgetfulness of pain
a type of bird
the repetition of nevermore throughout the poem serves primarily to *
demonstrate the poets lack of creativity
emphasize the speakers hopelessness and finality
create a musical rhythm

Explanation:

• For the first question, assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds. In "grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt", the vowel sound /ɑː/ (in "grim" - the 'i' has a short sound but in the context of the group, the overall vowel - like quality repetition is considered here) is repeated.
• For the second question, in literary and mythological contexts, 'nepenthe' is often referred to as a drug that causes forgetfulness of pain (from Greek mythology where it was a drug to bring forgetfulness of sorrow).
• For the third question, in "The Raven", the repetition of "nevermore" emphasizes the speaker's hopelessness and finality as it is a constant reminder of loss and that there is no positive change or hope.

Answer:

• First question: grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt
• Second question: A drug that causes forgetfulness of pain
• Third question: Emphasize the speaker's hopelessness and finality